Ski touring and bushwalking

Ski touring and bushwalking are great ways of enjoying the alpine environment all year round. Whether you plan a day trip or extended ski tour or bushwalk, the following information will help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Ensure you carry out all rubbish. Take care of the environment and observe fire lighting regulations. If lost, stay where you are.

Clothing

The right clothing ensures your comfort and therefore your enjoyment of any ski tour or bushwalk. Always carry windproof and waterproof clothing. Cotton or nylon clothing is not suitable for snow conditions as these materials are poor insulators when wet. Do not wear jeans.

What to wear or carry:

Clothing made of wool, or synthetic fibres that have insulating properties similar to wool such as fibre pile.

A number of layers of thin clothing, rather than a few layers of thick clothing.

Woollen beanie and gloves or mittens.

Warm underclothing, ie polypropylene thermals.

Warm outer clothing, eg polypropylene or woollen jumpers.

Woollen socks.

Waterproof oven mitts and overpants.

Footwear with soles having substantial grip.

Goggles and/or sunglasses.

Gaiters.

Long waterproof and windproof jacket.

Spare clothing if over-nighting.

Equipment

Each party member should carry a survival kit, even on short trips, in summer or winter.

Personal survival kit

Sunscreen

Mobile phone and emergency numbers (note warning on black spots).

Matches in a waterproof container and/or a cigarette lighter.

Map.

Compass.

Whistle (you can blow a whistle for hours, you can only yell for help for about 20 minutes).

Space blanket or large plastic bag.

Plenty of food and drink for your trip.

6 to 10 metres of 2-3mm cord.

A roomy day pack or rucksack (for maximum comfort, a rucksack should be personally fitted).

Filled water bottle

Group equipment, even on the shortest trip

Tent or emergency shelter

First aid kit

Stove, fuel and billy

Repair kit

Snow camping

If planning to go snow camping, consult your local ski or outdoors shop for advice on the correct equipment for your personal requirements.

Food

Food provides energy for movement and for maintaining your body temperature. Always carry emergency rations and at least one litre of water.

Don’t skip breakfast – it’s the most important meal of the day.

Eat a little more than normal. Eat often.

Carry high energy foods which can be eaten with little or no preparation (fresh or dried fruit and muesli bars are good examples).

Popular high energy foods for a day tour include bread or dried biscuits, cheese, peanut butter, honey, raisins, sultanas, nuts, chocolate, hot drinks and soup.

Weather

Alpine weather can be wonderful but changeable. Snow falls have been recorded in all months of the year.

Study the latest forecasts but keep a close watch on weather as well and seek shelter immediately if an approaching storm or change is observed.

Additional tips for bushwalkers and summer visitors

Some further important points to consider when going alpine bushwalking or visiting alpine areas in summer:

Bushwalking causes high moisture loss which needs to be replaced by frequent drinks.

Always carry at least one litre of drink, as water is often not available when you want it.

Wear a wide brimmed hat and sunscreen.

Portable fuel stoves are less harmful to the environment and more efficient than fires. If you do use a fire, observe fire-lighting regulations, keep it small, use only dead wood and make sure it is out before leaving.

Always carry windproof and waterproof outer layers of clothing and be prepared should you need to put on additional insulating layers of clothing.

The alpine environment is a beautiful destination for winter or summer holidays and a venue for many challenging and exciting activities including skiing and bushwalking. The alpine regions however, can be hazardous if visitors are careless or irresponsible.

This SnowSafe website has been published to provide essential information on how to enjoy the alpine environment in safety and comfort. Planning and preparation are the keys to having a safe and enjoyable experience and these concepts are reinforced throughout this website.

Snow Safety Inc, Australian Ski Patrol Association, and the Australian Ski Areas Association have worked together to produce this alpine safety information to make it easier for visitors to these areas. The information provided on this SnowSafe website serves as a guide only and does not guarantee the prevention of any loss, damage, injury or other adverse outcome occurring whilst in the alpine regions.